Chapter 35: Invincible with a Single Punch, the Old Daoist Has Become a True Immortal

Dark clouds loomed over the city, casting a gloom across the wilderness. A tall, imposing figure strode forward, undeterred by the wind and rain. The falling rain could not touch him, and the wind could not penetrate his presence; an invisible force kept the elements at bay. With every step he took, he covered a vast distance as if it were but an inch.

The man walked with a bold, rhythmic stride. Dressed in a tight black martial outfit, he possessed sharp, refined features, thick eyebrows, and large, piercing eyes. A scar ran along his left cheek from the corner of his eye to the corner of his mouth, which, rather than making him appear menacing, added a rugged, untamed charm to his demeanor.

Upon entering Fuyun County, he did not pause to seek shelter from the rain. With a steady gait, he crossed the county from west to east. Fixing his gaze upon Fuyun Mountain, obscured by the storm, he began his ascent, reaching the gates of the Qiuzhen Temple in just a few moments.

He cupped his hands in a formal salute and announced his arrival. "Chu Yunfei of the Chu family from Fengyang Prefecture has come to pay his respects. I wish to challenge Daoist Xuanming and request that you pass on this message."

The gatekeeping disciples were momentarily stunned. In recent years, while many came to the mountain to offer prayers, few dared to issue a challenge, and never before had someone specifically named Master Xuanming. They were the first to encounter such a situation. Realizing the gravity of the matter, they dared not be negligent; one remained to watch the visitor while the other hurried to report.

Upon receiving the news, Xuantong did not delay. He immediately descended the mountain to welcome the guest, calling for Xuanyu to join him. Unlike the inexperienced disciples, they were well aware of the formidable identity of their visitor.

The Chu family was a prominent clan in Fengyang Prefecture with a history spanning over eight hundred years. They were one of the rare martial arts lineages known for their upright and honorable conduct. Whether in the halls of government or the circles of the martial arts world, they were held in high regard.

Chu Yunfei himself was quite famous in Fengyang Prefecture. Having established a superior foundation in martial arts, he had already reached the threshold of Qi Refining while still in his prime. A true martial fanatic, he had spent the last three years challenging experts from all corners, winning every battle, and remaining undefeated among his peers—a feat that earned him the title of "Undefeated Fist."

Knowing such a prodigy had come to challenge their senior brother, they were on high alert but remained perfectly courteous.

"Xuantong (Xuanyu) greets benefactor Chu."

"Chu greets the two Daoists."

Chu Yunfei was straightforward and decisive. After the initial exchange of pleasantries, he did not waste time with small talk and once again stated his intent to challenge Daoist Xuanming.

A martial fanatic is a man of single-minded purpose; with such people, refusal is futile. Xuantong understood this, and having received a telepathic message from Senior Brother Xuanming, he led the way without further ado. This left a favorable impression on Chu Yunfei. Since he had made a name for himself, every time he issued a challenge, the opposing sects would hem and haw, offering endless excuses. If he hadn't insisted, he would never have found anyone to fight. The Daoists of Qiuzhen Temple, however, were refreshing.

***

Boom!

Thunder roared as the heavy rain poured down. The group reached the summit of Cangdao Peak, looking up to see a figure in gray robes sitting cross-legged at the very top.

"That is Senior Brother Xuanming."

"It is easy to be struck by lightning on a high peak, yet your senior brother does the opposite, sitting atop the mountain in the rain to listen to the thunder. His ways are truly unique."

Xuantong smiled at this, saying, "Senior Brother Xuanming once said that to be a tiger in the mountains, one must first enter the mountains; to be a whale in the sea, one must first swim in the sea. To understand nature, one must first draw close to it. Only by approaching the Dao can one realize the Dao."

Repeating the words silently, Chu Yunfei’s eyes lit up. He couldn't help but praise, "To beat others, one must first learn to be beaten. Daoist Xuanming’s insight is profound."

Xuantong’s mouth twitched, and Xuanyu looked at the young man from the noble family with a strange expression. While the logic held, the analogy… truly, he was a martial artist through and through!

Just then, a sudden flash of lightning struck the summit, landing right next to the old Daoist. Seeing him remain unmoved, without shielding himself or taking any defensive measures, a look of admiration appeared on Chu Yunfei’s face.

"Your senior brother has great spirit!"

Regardless of the outcome of this challenge, the old Daoist’s temperament was worthy of respect.

"Senior Brother is devout in his pursuit of the Dao. His Daoist heart and courage have always far surpassed our own," Xuantong said politely, while Xuanyu looked on with pride.

Without further delay, the group climbed to the peak. Observing the white-haired old man who refused to use his internal energy to ward off the wind and rain, Chu Yunfei, showing his refined upbringing, felt no contempt for Xuanming’s disheveled appearance.

He cupped his hands in a salute: "Chu Yunfei has come to challenge you. I hope Daoist Xuanming will not begrudge me your guidance."

Xuanming, returning to consciousness from his meditation, studied the young man before him, whose powerful aura far surpassed that of the late Patriarch Chen.

"I have never left the mountain, and my humble name is unknown outside Fuyun County. I rarely fight, having only slain Patriarch Chen, who had reached the threshold of Qi Refining. Did Benefactor Chu learn of my existence through a Projection Stone?" Xuanming rose and asked.

Chu Yunfei nodded in acknowledgment. "I serve at the Qiankun Pavilion. Not long ago, while handling official business at the Guangfa Department, I overheard two clerks praising Daoist Xuanming’s superb swordsmanship and extraordinary strength, calling you the greatest expert beneath the Qi Refining Realm."

"Out of curiosity, I went to the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion and obtained the file on the destruction of the Chen family. After viewing the Projection Stone and witnessing your grace in slaying Patriarch Chen with a single sword stroke, I was moved by a desire to test my skills. After finishing my official duties, I came straight to Fuyun Mountain, hoping to exchange blows with you."

Xuanming looked at Chu Yunfei, then glanced at the worried Xuantong and Xuanyu. After a moment of thought, he spoke candidly: "I fear I must disappoint you, Benefactor Chu. Not long ago, I was fortunate enough to break through to the Qi Refining Realm. If we were to spar now, it would be an unfair victory."

At these words, all three were shocked. Chu Yunfei’s shock was tinged with disappointment, while Xuantong and Xuanyu’s shock was filled with joy.

"Senior Brother, have you truly become a True Master?"

Xuanming nodded. He had intended to play the role of the humble for a while longer, but Chu Yunfei’s challenge had disrupted his plans. He could have feigned ignorance and defeated Chu Yunfei, but such self-deception felt false.

To cultivate the Dao is to cultivate the heart, and in the end, it is all about the search for truth. One might use tricks and deception against enemies, but to lie to Chu Yunfei, who had come in such a straightforward manner, would be a violation of his Daoist heart.

It is easy to deceive others, but difficult to deceive oneself. Compared to his Daoist heart, all other schemes were trivial.

Xuantong and Xuanyu were elated. They bowed solemnly and said with great respect, "Congratulations, Senior Brother, on becoming a True Master."

Xuanming’s expression remained serious as he returned the bow.

"Three months ago, I entered seclusion to attempt the breakthrough. Because the situation was delicate and I wished to avoid complications, I kept it hidden. Now that I have successfully crossed the threshold, it was my fault for not informing my junior brothers sooner."

Xuantong and Xuanyu looked solemn. They understood the implication—he had been guarding against the Wang family, whose intentions remained suspect. Seeing their senior brother speak with such sincerity, they were moved and bowed again, this time with genuine emotion.

"Senior Brother, you speak too highly."

"We understand the gravity of the situation."

"We are overjoyed that you have shared this with us. How could we ever blame you?"

The three Daoists exchanged a smile. There was no need for further etiquette, or it would have felt like keeping them at a distance.

***

"Thank you for your honesty, Senior Master." Chu Yunfei cupped his hands in a formal gesture. He had met many Daoists—some unkempt, others who sought only fame and reputation. But he had rarely encountered someone as sincere as True Master Xuanming.

"I merely spoke the truth," Xuanming said with a smile, then asked, "In that case, do you still wish to challenge me, young friend?"

Chu Yunfei replied with iron resolve, "Since I have come, I cannot leave empty-handed, nor can I betray the painstaking efforts of those who planned this in the shadows. Please, Master, grant me your guidance."

Xuanming looked at Chu Yunfei with genuine admiration.

"Since your mind is set, I shall suppress my cultivation to your level and fight you."

"However," he added, his tone shifting, "before that, it would be best to deal with the rats lurking in the shadows."

As he spoke, the air rippled. A figure suddenly appeared—dressed in black and masked. The moment he emerged, only three feet from Xuanming, he struck out with his fist.

The man’s immense pressure far exceeded that of a Qi Refining expert. He was, in fact, a master of the Qi Refining Realm.

Xuantong and Xuanyu were forced back thirty feet. Chu Yunfei was pushed back ten. On the summit, the winds and clouds shifted, and the falling rain hung suspended in the air, unable to descend under the weight of the overwhelming pressure.